Someone has just said something offensive or unkind to you. Before you have time to think, you respond angrily. What is it about human nature that it always seeks to justify itself, always chooses the wrong words, and always says hurtful words instead of being silent or saying kind, loving words? Jesus promises to live in us, to be our teacher and direct our ways. However, for the spirit of God to work, and not our fleshly nature, we need to heed the words of James, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Isn’t this our challenge? We are quick to speak and slow to listen. But how do we insert the pause? By letting God’s Spirit work in us. “The Spirit of truth…will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). When we forget to pause, the Spirit will burn within us, reminding us of his words of truth (Ephesians 4:29-31). And although we may fail many times, soon, our will and our words will give way to God’s will and his words. And then, when faced with a hurtful comment, before lashing out, our prayer will rise, and God’s Spirit will work, seasoning our conversation with love. And this will make all the difference. Open Bible – http://bit.ly/jam1v19, http://bit.ly/joh16v13, http://bit.ly/eph4v29-32
